Cambodia with the Family: Temple Ruins & Swaying Palms

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Phnom Penh - Cardamom Mountains - Koh Rong Samloem - Siem Reap
Duration:
12 days / 11 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 1,849.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 1495, - per child (up to 11 years)

If you are looking for a festive break with a difference then this itinerary is the perfect winter getaway for all the family. Wildlife, history and soft sandy beaches are waiting for you as you venture through Cambodia, learning about the country’s troubled history and how they now look to a positive future. Stay in a safari-style tent in the heart of the jungle with monkeys and colourful birds playing high up in the trees and relax on the powdery beaches of an idyllic tropical island. Of course, no trip to Cambodia would be complete without a visit to the impressive Angkor Wat, where you’ll end your trip glimpsing the sun rise above the stupas.

Days 1-4 – Discover the past of Phnom Penh

Known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh has a youthful energy, wonderful food and unique architecture. It was also at the centre of the darkest days in the country’s history, but today represents something altogether more hopeful. You’ll stay in a cosy, family-friendly hotel with a small swimming pool, located in the historic centre, and take a tour with a local guide to learn about the country’s past and present.

*The tour visits the infamous Killing Fields site, but we can arrange different experiences if you don’t feel that this would be appropriate for your children to see, just let us know!

Sunset trip on Tonle Sap lake

The following day, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in the early evening for a boat ride along the Tonle Sap lake. Tonle Sap is a lifeline for many in Cambodia, who earn their livelihood from selling fish, as well as home to many villages along its banks. As you float across the water you can see Phnom Penh sink into the night sky as the sun is setting.

Days 4-6 – Cardamom Mountains under canvas

You’ll be picked up in the morning and transferred around 3 hours to a small lodge on the riverbank, from where your 1 hour boat transfer departs. You’ll spot wildlife in the trees as you travel downriver to the camp, and soon you’ll be settling into your luxury tent. For the next couple of nights, you’ll take your family into the wild and sleep in luxury tents in the jungles of the Cardamom Mountains. You’ll spot monkeys, birds and other unique wildlife along former poaching trails, all with the help of experienced local rangers. It’s a great way to experience nature and learn about conservation, and you can even do a little kayaking on the river!

*this trip is suitable for kids aged 8 and over.

Days 6-9 – Tropical island getaway

After your stay in the jungle, you’ll travel to the coast where you’ll catch the boat over to Koh Rong Samloem Island. The total journey time today will take around 3.5 hours but may take longer depending on the boat schedules.

White sandy beaches, lush green forests and clear fish-filled waters – these islands are a perfect place for your family to kick back during your adventures through Cambodia. If you (or more likely your children!) get restless then there are lots of things you can arrange locally, with snorkelling trips, bike rental, paddle boarding and jungle walks all on offer. In the evenings you can watch the sunset at a beachside restaurant – life is pretty easy here! You’ll stay 3 nights on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, with return speedboat transfers.

Days 9-12 – Exploring ancient Angkor

Today you’ll leave this piece of paradise behind as you head for the amazing temples of Angkor Wat. You’ll start with the boat back to the mainland before jumping in a taxi to Sihanoukville airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, you’ll be met by a driver to transfer you to your hotel.

No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting one of the world’s most incredible man-made sites – the temples of Angkor. You’ll stay 3 nights in comfy hotel with a pool in Siem Reap, with a great range of restaurants on your doorstep. You’ll head out with a private guide, starting with sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat temple. Later explore the pathways, temples and hidden corners of Angkor – it’s an experience which adults and kids of any age will never forget.

Phare circus & countryside cycling tour

Today you’ll take a break from the vast temples and join a small group to explore the surrounding villages by bike. You’ll be picked up early this morning and ride along quiet pathways, passing vibrant green rice paddies and waving local children. There will be a stop off to learn about the lives of the villagers, perhaps see some basket weaving or palm wine production.

This evening enjoy a show at the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus which means “Brightness of the Arts” in Khmer. Phare is a Cambodian non-profit art organisation founded in 1994 by eight young Cambodians returning from refugee camps. The purpose is to improve the development of local communities by providing education and professional artistic training.

At the end of your Cambodian adventure with your family, you’ll be collected one last time on your trip and transferred to the airport for your international flight home.